UHM calls for meeting with ALPA, Employers' urge stakeholders to avoid strikes

Following the decision by the pilots’ association (ALPA) to take industrial action, the Union Haddiema Maqghudin has requested to meet with ALPA.

In a press statement, the union - which represents over 400 workers at Air Malta - said the meeting will discuss the effects of industrial action on the airline, the workers, the tourism industry and the economy in general.

"This will be done while analysing the advantages and disadvantages of an industrial action during such a sensitive moment for Air Malta and its employees," the union said.

It also called on those involved to allow time to pass before they take stands which would make it difficult for serious and productive discussions to take place. The union added that Air Malta's restructuring process is of concern and worry for the workers and their families. It called on all parties involved to make a greater effort so the impact on both the company and its workers would be mitigated. 

UHM said this week it also plans to meet with Finance Minister Tonio Fenech. 

Later, the Malta Chamber of Commerce Industry and Enterprise and the Malta Employers’ Association issued statements appealing to both Air Malta and ALPA "to engage in constructive discussions and avoid the planned disruption of service."

They said the problems Air Malta faces "are structural and have been long in the making and cannot be solved by engaging in disruptive industrial action."

They also said that any strike action "will only damage the airline further and increase the possibility of closure that will not be in anyone’s interest, particularly when one considers the domino affect this will have on the entire country."

They expressed hopes that the meeting scheduled between the government and the unions will yield positive results.